Three Arrested in Multi-Crore Fraud Involving Palani Temple Lands
The CB-CID has detained three men Following a two-week investigation into the fraudulent sale of Dhandapani Swamy Math property. The arrests come amid a new legal bid for a federal probe by a former local official.
Law Enforcement Targets Trio in Spiritual Property Heist
State investigators from the CB-CID executed the first arrests in a high-profile temple land fraud case on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. This move follows a fourteen-day intensive probe into the unauthorized sale of 1.40 acres belonging to the Dhandapani Swamy Math in Palani. Authorities identified the suspects as:
- D. Murugadass (56): A resident of Villupuram accused of orchestrating the sale.
- K. Vellaidurai (60): A Tiruppur-based individual identified as one of the two primary buyers.
- S. Anwardeen (65): A Palani local who allegedly served as the intermediary for the transaction.
The agency filed charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) covering criminal conspiracy, forgery, abetment, and cheating. The 1.40-acre parcel maintains significant logistical value, as the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple administration currently operates it as a complimentary parking facility for visiting devotees.
Political Pressure and Allegations of Bureaucratic Complicity
The investigation began on July 16, triggered by a formal complaint from the temple superintendent regarding the illicit transfer of Math assets by unaffiliated third parties. Over the last two weeks, the CB-CID interrogated personnel from the Registration Department and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to identify systemic failures that allowed the sale.
High Court Petition Demands Federal Oversight
The arrests coincide with significant legal pressure from former Palani MLA K.S.N. Venugopalu Senapathi. This week, the AIADMK politician and former temple trustee filed a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Senapathi argues that because the accused registration officials and the state police both fall under the jurisdiction of the Tamil Nadu government, a CBI investigation is necessary to ensure an impartial outcome.
Source: The Hindu — Home
